Digestibility of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) fed to leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius).

ABSTRACT: Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae have been marketed as an excellent choice for providing calcium to reptiles without the need of dusting or gut loading. However, previous studies have indicated that they have limited calcium digestibility and are deficient in fat soluble vitamins (A, D3, and E). In this feeding and digestibility trial, 24 adult male leopard geckos were fed one of three diets for 4 months: 1) whole, vitamin A gut loaded larvae; 2) needle pierced, vitamin A gut loaded larvae; or 3) whole, non-gut loaded larvae. Fecal output from the geckos was collected daily and apparent digestibility was calculated for dry matter, protein, fat, and minerals. There were no differences in digestibility coefficients among groups. Most nutrients were well digested by the leopard geckos when comp

SUBMITTER: Boykin KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7213736 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature